Pennsylvania Governor issues executive order on data center standards

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order establishing new standards for data center development. The order introduces the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) framework, which focuses on energy affordability, environmental protection, workforce development, and community engagement.

Under the new guidelines, developers can enter a voluntary Consent Order and Agreement to follow GRID standards in exchange for faster permitting and certain tax benefits. However, the order also imposes stricter requirements, such as requiring proof of local municipal approval before state permits are issued and banning state agencies from signing non-disclosure agreements related to these projects. Projects that do not meet these standards will be removed from the administration’s expedited “fast track” permitting list.

In Luzerne County, the shift in policy follows local tensions. A judge recently ruled that the Salem Township Planning Commission violated the Sunshine Act during meetings regarding data center ordinances. The region is currently seeing significant activity, including an Amazon Web Services facility under construction and a second project by QTS Data Centers.